What Type of Earplugs Can Easily and Frequently Be Removed?

[KristinOde]

Hi, I need some advice.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I've ended up in the hospital on IV steroids multiple times a year (I'm in Europe, where they administer steroids via IV). Because of this, I wear earmuffs every time I go outside. They're easy to remove when I need to eat, but my jaw ends up hurting from wearing them so much.

I'm planning a vacation where I'll be walking around 20 km per day in a city and will need to eat multiple times a day. I'm looking for earplugs that are easy to remove up to five times a day. Unfortunately, foam earplugs don't work for me. I find it impossible to break the seal they create. Twisting them is extremely loud, and the seal remains intact no matter what I do. I've tried all sizes and types of foam earplugs available here, but every time I remove them, I hear a "pop," which isn't supposed to happen and can damage my eardrum.

Is there an alternative type, like silicone, that's easier to remove?

 

[Mark F.]

You do realize that you are supposed to sloooooowly and gently remove the foam earplugs, to break the seal without damaging your ears, right?

 

[KristinOde]

You do realize that you are supposed to sloooooowly and gently remove the foam earplugs, to break the seal without damaging your ears, right?

Of course, I try to do it as slowly and carefully as possible, but the seal doesn't break, no matter how long I twist it or how slowly I try to remove it. (I have a very small ear canal.) The longer I hold the earplug, the more it transfers extremely loud sounds from my fingers. Last time, I ended up crying in front of the mirror because it was impossible to remove, even with tweezers. So, I gave up on using foam earplugs.

 

[Mark F.]

Maybe look into getting custom molded earplugs, that are a perfect fit for your small ear canals. Hang in there!

 

[Bill Arsenault]

Hi, I need some advice.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I've ended up in the hospital on IV steroids multiple times a year (I'm in Europe, where they administer steroids via IV). Because of this, I wear earmuffs every time I go outside. They're easy to remove when I need to eat, but my jaw ends up hurting from wearing them so much.

I'm planning a vacation where I'll be walking around 20 km per day in a city and will need to eat multiple times a day. I'm looking for earplugs that are easy to remove up to five times a day. Unfortunately, foam earplugs don't work for me. I find it impossible to break the seal they create. Twisting them is extremely loud, and the seal remains intact no matter what I do. I've tried all sizes and types of foam earplugs available here, but every time I remove them, I hear a "pop," which isn't supposed to happen and can damage my eardrum.

Is there an alternative type, like silicone, that's easier to remove?

Mack's orange earplugs are slightly longer than most other plugs, about a millimeter, because they offer maximum protection by going in deeper. That extra millimeter makes a big difference for me when removing them. I have never once hopelessly lost one in my ear, avoiding hours of panic and a trip to the ER. They are also widely available in many supermarkets.

Before inserting them, lightly moisten your ear canal with a Q-tip. It's a good idea to keep some clean Q-tips handy, along with a bottle of water and a pair of sturdy, heavy-duty tweezers for emergencies. Be cautious not to overdo it with the water; too much can leave your ear feeling damp for a few days, and the plug will lose its integrity after a single use.

When removing the plugs, take your time and extract them very slowly. While this can be annoying when you need to hear something quickly, it's necessary to prevent discomfort or damage. Getting used to them can be challenging at first. Hearing mostly your tinnitus can feel more bothersome initially, so you might need to take a 15-minute break after every 15 minutes of use. Plan your use strategically to minimize frustration.

There's nothing fun about earplugs when you have severe tinnitus, but earmuffs are often inconvenient or ineffective in many situations. I also find it too easy and tempting to use earmuffs inconsistently, which makes them less reliable.

Take care.